My Favorite Smut Author Is My Husband! - Chapter 2
“They’ve found a marriage prospect for you, dear.”
“…A marriage prospect?”
“Yes. I had such a hard time filtering out all the unsuitable candidates… But since you’ve waited patiently, unlike other young ladies who get distracted by foolish things, I had to do at least this much for you.”
“Huh?”
Having breakfast with her parents for the first time in a while was nice. They didn’t bring up the subject during the meal, perhaps to avoid ruining the atmosphere, and Lily also chose to enjoy the rare family conversation, pretending not to notice.
It wasn’t until the dessert and tea were served that the real discussion began.
“Your marriage prospect is with the Duke of Dike.”
“What?”
“He’s still just twenty, but didn’t he inherit the title of Duke earlier this year? He’s manly and a great asset to the imperial family. We thought it would be fine to send you to him.”
“What?”
“We made the proposal, but the Dike family also benefits from forming a connection with our house, so it’s a win-win. And, my dear, who could refuse you when they see you?”
Her parents, who had rarely stood up during a meal, approached Lily, who could only ask questions in shock, surrounding her chair. A letter was placed in front of her, replacing the tea and dessert that the servants quickly cleared away.
“The Duke’s family wants to meet you. Why don’t you go today?”
“Even though he’s been busy with the duties of his new title and imperial affairs, he’s found some time. They know this is a rare opportunity.”
“So… Mom. Dad.”
“Our little baby bird. But remember to address us as Father and Mother when we’re in public, alright?”
Lily stared at her parents, then at the elegant letter. These were the same parents who had cried when she told them at seventeen that she would start calling them Father and Mother because she was all grown up. Now, she felt an odd sense of betrayal.
“So the reason you made me take a bath this morning was so I could meet the Duke and get married? That’s what this is about?”
“Oh, darling. We’re just asking you to meet him. If you don’t like it…”
“I don’t like it. I don’t like this marriage, and I don’t want to go out today!”
Lily had heard of Duke Ashulin Dike. The young Duke was said to be so tall and large that he was more like a walking door than a person.
“Sweetheart, I know you’re surprised, but you’re nineteen now. That’s an adult age in society.”
“We would love to keep you with us forever, but this isn’t a bad match for you. We’re not forcing you into marriage. Just meet him today, alright?”
“…”
The problem was the rumors that had circulated about the Duke during his academy days. He was said to have been small, even frail, like a girl. There were even rumors that the imperial prince, who often spent time with him, was involved in a scandal because of it.
But by the time he finished his last year at the academy, he had transformed into a door-like giant.
And, well, isn’t there a saying that men who grow rapidly after being very small or overweight as children end up having small… assets?
Just imagining that this door-sized man might have an unimpressive member made Lily feel depressed.
“…Fine. I’ll just go meet him… since you’ve already arranged it.”
“My dear!”
But just as her parents were soft-hearted toward her, Lily was soft-hearted toward them. Drooping her head in resignation, she snatched the letter and stood up.
The maid would be waiting to help her get dressed.
“Whether I get married or not is my choice! I’m just going to meet him!”
If this is how things were going, she might as well sabotage the meeting. She would make such a rude impression that they wouldn’t even think about the word “engagement.”
—
“This way?”
“Miss! I’ll guide you!”
Lily quickly sped up her steps, trying to outpace the butler who was chasing her, panting.
She wasn’t used to any physically strenuous activity besides self-pleasure, so even this was a challenge, but she had to get to the Duke’s room to execute her plan.
“Miss, you’re going the wrong way! The tea is being served in the other direction! Please, turn back!”
She felt a little guilty seeing the middle-aged butler following her so desperately. If the former Duke and Duchess were still present in the estate, she wouldn’t have been able to carry out her plan.
However, the couple, known for their good relationship, had handed over the ducal title to their son and immediately left on a trip, only responding to letters. This was her chance.
*Knock, knock.*
“Who is—”
*Bang!*
“Lily Artea, responding to your invitation!”
She knocked and opened the door forcefully, her eyes locking onto his chest.
His chest, which was surely larger than hers, and that… unmentionable detail.
“What is this…!”
“Oh dear, oh dear, that’s why I…”
“There seems to have been some misunderstanding!”
Lily quickly interrupted, inwardly apologizing to the butler.
It was a slip of the tongue when she saw the Duke, who seemed to have just finished his morning training. His linen shirt was barely hanging on, revealing his broad chest, and she couldn’t help but offer an excuse.
“I read in the letter that after inheriting the dukedom, you’ve been too busy to meet anyone. I didn’t want to be a burden, so I rushed to see you. My apologies, Duke!”
